IPA Data Dive: AI Spending Is Rising While Measurable Results Lag - Inside Public Accounting

The accounting profession has largely moved beyond asking whether artificial intelligence (AI) matters. Now firms are looking for evidence that their investments are paying off.

Early data from IPA’s 2026 Information Technology Survey suggests confidence in AI remains high. More than 70% of respondents report increasing their AI budgets over the past year, and a majority are actively implementing or refining AI initiatives across their firms.

At the same time, the data reveals a gap between investment and results. Among firms responding so far, 44% report no measurable impact from their AI efforts.

That figure should not be interpreted as evidence that AI isn’t working. New technologies often require changes to workflows, training and firm culture before meaningful gains become apparent. Still, it suggests many firms are investing ahead of demonstrated returns.

As AI adoption becomes more widespread, the challenge may not be deciding whether to invest but how success should be measured and how AI can deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, service delivery and firm performance.

For now, the survey points to a profession in transition. Firms continue to expand AI adoption and increase spending, but many are still working to translate that investment into tangible business outcomes.

AI is just one of several trends reshaping the profession. The June edition of IPA Insights explores what the latest data reveals about succession planning, niche specialization, technology investment and other strategic issues facing accounting firms.

Purchase the full report here: https://form.jotform.com/253235687892168.